NY Jets 2023 Spring Depth Chart Preview: Offensive line

The NY Jets made a massive splash this offseason by landing one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Aaron Rodgers, and while he's key to any potential success in 2023, what's even more important is protecting the 39-year-old star.

After some solid additions last offseason, the Jets will be hoping for much better luck this time around, especially with injuries, and with a solid blend of youth and experience, there's a good chance of that happening.

With some more great additions this offseason, protecting the QB is more important than ever, and if this team can just be in the top half of the league, it will lend the Jets to success. So who will be trying to protect the four-time MVP and the Jets' aspirations this season?

Depth chart

• Duane Brown (OT)
• Laken Tomlinson (OG)
• Connor McGovern (C)
• Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG)
• Mekhi Becton (OT)
• Billy Turner (OT/OG)
• Joe Tippmann (C)
• Wes Schweitzer (OG/C)
• Max Mitchell (OT)
• Carter Warren (OT)
• Yodny Cajuste (OT)
• Trystan Colon (C/OG)

What are the pros of the 2023 NY Jets offensive line?

Unlike in years past, perhaps the biggest strength of this Jets' squad is their depth, as they have experienced starters at almost every position, as well as a blend of youth and veteran names all throughout the roster.

While there are still questions to be answered throughout the offseason, the Jets have a potentially elite line if they can stay healthy, with the likes of Alijah Vera-Tucker, Laken Tomlinson, and Duane Brown all having proven pasts as elite players.

Beyond that, the excitement around Joe Tippmann, Max Mitchell, and the returning Mekhi Becton has brought plenty of optimism to this franchise, and if they can perform the way New York expects, this could be one of the best lines in the entire NFL.

What are the cons of the 2023 NY Jets offensive line?

While the Jets have a great blend of youth and experience, as well as unlimited potential, the injury history is something that should scare all Jets fans, as the team saw not one, not two, but three of their key pieces to this line sitting out for extended periods in 2022.

Accidents are certainly bound to happen to anyone that steps foot on the field in the NFL, unfortunately, but after last year, it's tough to ignore just how injury prone this line was, and if history repeats itself in 2023, bad times are coming once more.

Beyond that, the team is relying heavily on one of the oldest offensive linemen in the game in Duane Brown, so they will need to be blessed with no injuries this season. The Jets will no doubt have to play it safe in the early parts of the season, especially given their lofty expectations in 2023.

Who will be the biggest stud of the 2023 NY Jets offensive line?

While most teams will look at the biggest stud on their offensive lineman as someone that has mastered one spot, the Jets' biggest stud showed in 2022 that he's capable of playing many positions, and that would be standout second-year star Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Heading into this third year, it appears AVT is sliding into the position at right guard, and with the depth the Jets have now built, it's expected that he can make that role his own in 2023. Considering how well he played last season, expectations are quite high.

Vera-Tucker possesses immense technique along with great footwork, strength, and speed, and after giving up several picks to move up in the draft in 2021 to land him, the Jets will be hoping this is the year he blossoms into a major star.

What are the biggest offensive line storylines to watch in OTAs and training camp?

For the second year in a row, it's safe to say that the biggest storyline to watch for the Jets in the coming weeks and months is the Mekhi Becton situation, as he now has to prove to this coaching staff that he's ready and capable to be a big-time contributor to this team going forward.

Not only will fans be looking to see how he holds up with his impressive new frame, but how the organization reacts to some of the comments he has made recently, which, according to head coach Robert Saleh, won't affect his standing if he shows up and performs.

Beyond that, the Jets took two impressive offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter Warren and Joe Tippmann, and if they can impress early in the offseason, it will be a great sign for the team's depth moving forward.

Predictions for the 2023 NY Jets offensive line?

Statistically, it's tough to make predictions for an offensive line, but if this group, particularly Vera-Tucker, Becton, and Tippmann can stay healthy, there's absolutely no reason why this unit can't be in the top 15, perhaps top 10 in the NFL.

With all of his talents, Vera-Tucker should be able to make a push for his first career Pro Bowl in 2023, and if Tomlinson can bounce back after a poor year, he should be able to once again prove why he was considered one of the best guards in the NFL.

Ultimately, any success this Jets team will have in 2023 depends on the new guy in town in Aaron Rodgers, and if the offensive line brings their best game, the success will come. If not, this could be a disappointing campaign for Gang Green.